With riots in the Parisian suburbs going on for a seventh straight night, Roger L. Simon (He Who Wears the Fedora) chronicles the adventures of Paul Cruce, An American in Paris:
What I have found to be far more common is a real warmth for the U.S. and I have found it in surprising and unexpected ways. Examples:
* October a year ago I was here for a week. I had been invited to a Hallowe’en dinner party prepared by a couple I know, both of whom are chefs. During the dinner, I was asked by another guest if I supported Bush or Kerry. With a smile, I quickly and firmly replied “President Bush.” To my surprise, the entire table - about 30 people altogether - burst out in applause. One woman said, “The U.S. did the right thing in Iraq. Chirac is on Saddam’s payroll. That’s the only reason our government has opposed yours there,” and all the other heads at the table nodded in agreement. This group included some people whom I know usually vote for the Socialist Party rather than Chirac’s UMP.
It’s not the French People I can’t stand. It’s their government and media. Go Ye and read it all. The Macker Commands It!




